Top 10 things to do in District 1 Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 is the beating heart of the city, a vibrant tapestry of historical landmarks, bustling markets, and electrifying nightlife. Whether you're a history buff, a shopaholic, or a party animal, District 1 has something to offer everyone.  Our curated list explores the top 10 things to do in District 1, ensuring you make the most of your time in this captivating area.

The first stop on our itinerary takes us to the iconic Ben Thanh Market...

1. Ben Thanh Market - The most visited place & the best things to do in District 1

Considered a cultural and historical symbol of Saigon, Ben Thanh Market is not only a place for trading, but also a place where visitors can admire a unique architectural work, enjoy shopping or enjoy Saigon specialties.

For tourists who love Vietnamese cuisine, the spacious dining area inside Ben Thanh is a place not to be missed. You will enjoy specialties from all regions of Vietnam, with the characteristics of street food, rustic and close. The space in the dining area is very clean, most restaurants have a diverse menu for diners to choose from.

In addition to cuisine, Ben Thanh Market is also a paradise of souvenirs. Here, there are many items sold from hats, silk scarves, ao dai, ao ba ba, traditional Vietnamese conical hats to wooden handicrafts, lacquerware, ceramics, coffee, tea, dried seafood... Next to Ben Thanh market are two prominent hotels of the Silverland Hospitality hotel chain, including Silverland Ben Thanh Hotel located right opposite the West Gate of the market and Silverland Yen Hotel just less than 2 minutes walk from the North Gate of the market.

2. Nguyen Hue Walking Street - One of the not-to-be-missed destinations in District 1

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is nearly 900m long and 64m wide, stretching from the City People's Committee to Bach Dang Wharf on the banks of the Saigon River. The entire square is paved with granite and has a fountain and a modern lighting system. The walking street is deserted during the day due to the high temperature of the typical tropical climate, but every night it will sparkle with colourful lights and become a gathering place for locals as well as tourists coming to the city. Must-do experiences at Nguyen Hue Walking Street:

• Visit the statue of Uncle Ho right in front of the City People's Committee building.
• Shop at super high-end stores inside the Union Square building and Rex Hotel.
• Visit the 42 Nguyen Hue Coffee Apartment building that stands out in the middle of the street.
• Take photos with great angles at the "top view" cafes
• Sit down at a sidewalk cafe along the bustling street to witness the dynamic, youthful life of this city.
• Enjoy unique street performances along the walking street.
• Take a double-decker bus that stops right on the walking street to visit tourist attractions in the city.
• Explore a diverse culinary paradise.

3. Dong Khoi Street - The bustling shopping and entertainment street of District 1

Parallel to Nguyen Hue walking street is Dong Khoi Street, extending from Notre Dame Cathedral to Bach Dang Wharf on the banks of the Saigon River. The street is very famous and is not only one of the busiest in District 1, but also a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the full range of things to do in District 1, both literally and figuratively. Although it is a one-way street for vehicles, Dong Khoi Street is the main traffic artery of District 1.

It is not surprising that Dong Khoi Street is the most crowded street, because of the shops and stores next to each other, interspersed with bustling commercial centres, famous restaurants and bars listed in the Michelin Guide, and 5-star hotels such as The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel are also located on this street.

4. New entertainment spot in District 1, HCMC - Bach Dang Wharf Park

Bach Dang Wharf Park starts from Thu Ngu flagpole and extends to the foot of Ba Son Bridge, with a total area of ​​up to 23,400m2. Thanks to its wide view across the river, with a 360-degree view of the city's major projects such as Landmark 81 building, Thu Thiem new urban area, Nha Rong Wharf, the city centre with dozens of high-rise office buildings - hotels ..., Bach Dang Wharf Park every afternoon until late at night is bustling with adults, children, young men and women, domestic and foreign tourists stopping by to enjoy the cool river breeze.

Try the water bus departing from Bach Dang Wharf to enjoy the beauty of the most dynamic city in Vietnam, whether during the day or after sunset until evening. Silverland Jolie Hotel and Silverland May, both located on the tree-lined Thi Sach Street, are just a few minutes' walk from Bach Dang Wharf Park.

5. City Post Office - A nostalgic entertainment venue in District 1

It would be a mistake to come to Ho Chi Minh City without visiting the City Post Office. Built from 1886 - 1891 and still operating as the Central Post Office to this day, the City Post Office has a typical French architectural style. From the outside, the Post Office stands out with its large window and dome system. At the same time, with its prominent yellow paint colour and the centre of the Post Office's facade, there is also a classic clock, adding to the nostalgic feel of this place.

Right next to the City Post Office is Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, known as the "book paradise". Only over 100m long, but there are up to 20 stalls selling books, magazines, stationery, and souvenirs next to each other. The Book Street has many areas for you to visit: book cafes, newspapers and magazines, entertainment areas, stationery, old books, book exhibitions, newspapers, pictures... and a stage area dedicated to launching new books and publications or a meeting place for authors and their readers.

6. Thao Cam Vien - A cool green entertainment place in District 1

For many people in Ho Chi Minh City, Thao Cam Vien has long been an indispensable part of their memories. This place is not only a cool park complex with countless perennial plants, but also an ideal place to organise picnics and participate in outdoor activities.

Thao Cam Vien is the 8th oldest zoo in the world. After more than 150 years of existence, Thao Cam Vien has become a "super giant" conservation area with hundreds of animals and plants. Coming to Thao Cam Vien, you will see with your own eyes rare animals and strange plants that are hundreds of years old. The air inside Thao Cam Vien is extremely fresh, completely separate from the dusty streets outside, you can walk around and breathe, it will definitely be very refreshing. These things make it a top choice for those seeking things to do in District 1.

7. Bui Vien Street - Nightlife spot in District 1

Listed as one of the most famous and bustling nightlife areas in Vietnam, Bui Vien walking street has become a gathering place for many people to hang out and have fun all night long. Every night, the whole street is covered with colorful neon lights from bars and restaurants, along with street performances and cute invitations from the bar staff. Coming to Bui Vien street, you will be immersed in an extremely bustling and youthful atmosphere. Along both sides of the street are bars - pubs with open spaces and lively DJ music for a fun evening with friends. In addition, there are many other "fancy" bars and clubs for you to choose from.

8. Little Japan Town Saigon - A unique check-in and entertainment spot in District 1

Little Japan Town Saigon is nestled in the heart of District 1, consisting of a few small and winding alleys connected to each other at the intersection of two bustling streets, Le Thanh Ton and Thai Van Lung in Saigon. The unique mark of Little Japan Town Saigon is the shops with a distinctly Japanese architectural style. Here you will have the opportunity to find pure Japanese dishes, small and pretty bars for less than 10 guests.

In contrast to the quietness during the day, at night, these alleys become entertainment venues for the Japanese community living and working in Saigon. If you need to find a unique check-in spot right in the heart of the city, visit Little Japan Town Saigon to experience a miniature Tokyo. The Silverland Hospitality hotel chain also has 2 hotels, Silverland Sakyo and Silverland Sil, located right in the heart of Little Japan Town Saigon.

9. Saigon Centre - The best shopping destination in District 1

Located in a prime location in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Centre Shopping Mall is easily visible right on Le Loi Boulevard, right in the middle of Nguyen Hue walking street and Ben Thanh market. With more than 400 luxury brands located in the most luxurious shopping space in the city, including the famous Takashimaya shopping mall from Japan, along with countless international fashion and lifestyle brands. The food court on the 5th and 6th floors of Saigon Centre, along with many cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the floors of Saigon Centre, are always bustling with local diners and international visitors to the city. Regardless of sunny or rainy days, regardless of your needs for shopping, dining, walking around, taking photos and checking in, Saigon Centre is sure to satisfy your needs.

10. Tao Dan Park - Peaceful green space, entertainment place of District 1

Over 9 hectares wide, with more than 1,000 shady trees, Tao Dan Park owns a cool green space in the middle of bustling Saigon. In addition, the park is also a place to organise fairs or exhibitions, visiting delicious restaurants near Tao Dan Park brings many joyful experiences for visitors.

Early morning and late afternoon are the times when Tao Dan Park is most crowded. During these times, the air is cool, the sunlight is almost not strong enough to penetrate the canopy of ancient trees above, so many city residents choose to come here to walk, stroll, meet, date and exercise, creating a very bustling atmosphere.

On every holiday, the park often organises attractive festivals, attracting the attention of many people. Tao Dan Spring Flower Festival on the occasion of Lunar New Year every year has become a typical cultural feature of the city, with areas displaying flowers, ornamental plants, ornamental fish, bonsai, etc., creating an indispensable Tet atmosphere for the people of Saigon.

Despite the hustle and bustle of Saigon outside, when stepping into Tao Dan Park, anyone can feel the peace, an ideal destination for tourists and locals.

Remember: District 1 is a gateway to endless possibilities, a place where history meets modernity, and where culture comes alive. With its rich tapestry of experiences, District 1 is sure to leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind. So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and prepare to be captivated by the countless things to do in District 1, the heart and soul of Ho Chi Minh City.